Getting the inside scoop at Fieldays

Cows, mud, and hay bales may be what springs to mind when thinking of Fieldays, but this year Massey University is mixing it up with one of their special guests, Hannah Wood, founder of bespoke gelato company Little ‘Lato.   

 With the job title of “Chief Gelato Maker”, it may not be immediately obvious why Miss Wood is attending Fieldays with Massey University this year however, she says that’s even more reason for her to be there.  

“There are so many avenues within the food and agriculture space that people don’t think about. I’m excited to show people attending Fieldays what authentic Italian gelato tastes like!”   

 Miss Wood will be on the Massey University stand scooping out some of her delicious and unique gelato flavours; from her award-winning Mango lassi to her twist on the iconic kiwi favourite – Lolly Slice. 

“Making new flavours is a favourite part of the job. I get flavour inspiration from almost anywhere.”   

Although she says she didn’t know what she wanted to do at school, a visit from Massey University opened her eyes to the world of food technology.   

“I never quite clicked that there were careers around developing the foods you see in supermarkets. It got me excited!”  

Miss Wood studied a Bachelor of Food Technology at Massey and finished her Master of Dairy Science and Technology in 2013.  

She fell in love with Gelato while studying at the Carpigiani Gelato University in Italy after receiving an industry scholarship and knew she had to bring it back to New Zealand.    

“Growing up in Whangaparaoa, I’d always loved ice cream, but it wasn’t until I was studying in Italy that the dream of making gelato myself actually began.”    

Miss Wood opened her first gelato bar in Auckland in December 2017 and has gone from strength to strength. She’s opened shops in multiple locations across New Zealand, has won several New Zealand Ice Cream Awards and has been named a NZ Food Award’s finalist for multiple products.    

The NZ Food Awards run by Massey University showcase the innovative and industry-disrupting products in the sector, something which Miss Wood says makes it special to be a part of.   

“It’s fantastic to be recognised for pushing the boundaries and the awards really highlight the amazing products that are being produced annually.”   

“I think the main thing is I love what I do, and I had no idea this was even a possible career path for me.”    

For those, who like Miss Wood, may be unsure where their studies could take them, Massey University’s friendly academic advisors will be on hand at the university’s site at Fieldays to answer any questions.  

“I am excited to share the gelato love with even more people and show the variety in this sector.”  

Miss Wood will be at the Massey Fieldays stand from Wednesday 16 June to Saturday 19 serving up delicious scoops for visitors.